Did you know that children who cannot read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade are six times as likely to drop out of high school? Did you know that one child in four grows up not knowing how to read? These statistics were from research before the COVID pandemic, and now are expected to be even worse.

In an effort to create a literate community of children, we work with Tri-Lakes Cares to get books into the hands of young children. This program was implemented in 2017 to provide low-income families with access to quality reading materials in a time period that is critical to developing literacy skills. Countless studies show that building these skills at an early age is crucial to educational attainment, and that children without these building blocks are at a higher risk of entering school unprepared.

The Books for Kids program was created to provide the opportunity for children of identified families to obtain books to be read at home, when they otherwise would not have the resources do so, potentially improving their chance of academic success.

Children enrolled in the Books for Kids Program receive one age-appropriate book, chosen by the staff at Covered Treasures Bookstore, every month (for one year) specifically selected for each individual, taking into consideration the child’s age and interests.

Monetary donations are accepted at Tri-Lakes Cares, P. O. Box 1301, Monument, CO 80132